SUPERMARKET

The few foreigners living in Pyongyang often seek for foreign products and they can find them in this multi-storey supermarket. On the ground floor there is the food section with many Chinese and Russian products, but also local products such as alcohols that cannot be found elsewhere (with ginseng, liqueur with a snake in it...). Tourist groups, who come there, buy a lot of fruits and other fresh products for the week (they are difficultly available elsewhere). The first floor is dedicated to furniture and clothing. The tour gives a glimpse of what the middle class of the capital can afford: the style of the products is very close to what can be found in the house of a Chinese neighbour. Finally, on the top floor, you will be able to have refreshment and enjoy local pastries. Depending on the time, there are stalls that sell products which are similar to what can be found in Western fast foods, but of course in a "local" version. It is possible to buy practically everything - with the exception of some rare products without knowing why: for example, some schoolchildren copybooks which are still blank and bear no images or inscriptions cannot be purchased (this is indicated by a label on the shelving). The shop absolutely does not represent the Korean consumption mode; it is mainly intended for tourists and diplomats of the city.

The place is also of great interest as on the spot you can exchange or convert euros, dollars and pounds sterling and get North Korean won. Exchange rates are displayed.